Groundbreaking: New Courthouse for Calaveras County

What: The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Superior Court of California, Calaveras County Courthouse in San Andreas, marking the start of construction of this long-awaited project.

When: Friday, March 16, 2012, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Where: 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, California. Proceed past the current courthouse to Government Center Road and turn left, following the signs. Public parking is available at the Government Center and on the right side of Government Center Drive.

Who: The ceremony will include remarks by Presiding Judge John E. Martin, Judge Douglas V. Mewhinney, and Court Executive Officer Hugh Swift of the Superior Court of Calaveras County, and Gary Tofanelli, Chair, Calaveras County Board of Supervisors.

Why: The event celebrates the culmination of more than five years of planning and design for the new four-courtroom, 44,600-square-foot courthouse to replace the current overcrowded Calaveras Courthouse. Scheduled for completion in fall 2013, the new courthouse will provide the necessary space for expansion and enhanced security, enabling the court to greatly improve access and services. For more information, including architectural renderings of the new courthouse, visit the California Courts website.

Members of the public needing accommodation, such as an assistive listening system or a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Karen Camper at 209-754-6143, at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

Members of the media wishing to attend the ceremony may contact Karen Camper at 209-754-6143, for directions, parking information, and other background information.